Swander Pace Capital

Swander Pace Capital is a private equity firm established in 1996, focused on mid-market investments in consumer-oriented companies across North America and the United Kingdom. Headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in New Jersey and Ontario, the firm specializes in acquiring or investing in growth-oriented consumer products firms that hold strong market positions in defensible niches. Swander Pace Capital leverages its industry expertise to provide portfolio companies with both financial and strategic consulting support aimed at fostering long-term value. The firm has successfully managed investments in consumer companies generating total revenues exceeding $2 billion, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing business performance within the consumer sector.

Virginia Calvo

CFO, CCO

Robert DesMarais

Managing Director

Heather Fraser

Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer

Shawn F. Hecht

MD

Scott Kania

Principal

Anne Lee

Senior Associate

Amy Li

Vice President

Alex Litt

SVP

Tyler Matlock

Managing Director

Reilly Mcclellan

VP

Michael Merriman

Vice President

Megan T. Ough

Associate

Mark Poff

Managing Director

Corby Reese

Senior Advisor & Investment Committee Member

Daniel C. Reese

MD

Valerie Scott

Principal

Karl Stafford

Associate

MO Stout

Managing Director

C. Morris Stout

MD

Dan C. Swander

Operating Partner

Mateo Telles

Associate

Heather Smith Thorne

Managing Director

Robert Vassel

Principal

Past deals in Beverages

Purely Elizabeth

Series B in 2022
Purely Elizabeth is an all natural and organic food company that creates products using the highest quality, nutrient-rich ingredients. We cater to those seeking healthy, delicious, gluten free foods. Our products are certified organic, gluten free, vegan, free of refined sugar and non-GMO project verified. As members of 1% for the Planet, we are committed to healthy eating, healthy living and a healthy planet.

Mighty Spark Food

Acquisition in 2021
Mighty Spark Food is a producer of craft meat products intended to make meals healthy and easy to prepare.

Mighty Spark Food

Private Equity Round in 2021
Mighty Spark Food is a producer of craft meat products intended to make meals healthy and easy to prepare.

Café Valley

Acquisition in 2019
Café Valley produces high-quality bakery products for in-store bakeries, club stores, food service and convenience stores throughout the world.

Café Valley

Private Equity Round in 2019
Café Valley produces high-quality bakery products for in-store bakeries, club stores, food service and convenience stores throughout the world.

Bragg Live Food

Acquisition in 2019
Bragg Live Food Products, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of organic food products, specializing in apple cider vinegar and its various applications. Founded in 1912 and based in Santa Barbara, California, the company offers a diverse range of items, including apple cider vinegar drinks, extra virgin olive oil, salad dressings, liquid aminos, and various sauces and seasonings. Bragg Live Foods emphasizes the use of certified organic ingredients, aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle through its product offerings. The company distributes its products through a network of distributors, retail stores, and online platforms, both in the United States and internationally. With over a century of experience, Bragg Live Foods remains committed to supporting optimal nutrition and wellness.

Backerhaus

Private Equity Round in 2018
Backerhaus Veit Ltd., a bakery, engages in the production of breads, rolls, and pretzels. Its products include multigrain and whole grain breads, rye breads, crusty breads, sliced panini breads, ciabatta and foccacia breads, and baguettes and table loaves. The company serves retailers, and food service buyers, including catering, distributor, fast food, hotel, institution, restaurant, theatre, and vending customers. Backerhaus Veit Ltd. was founded in 1986 and is based in Mississauga, Canada.

Voortman Cookies

Acquisition in 2015
Voortman Cookies Limited produces and sells cookies. The company provides roll packs, turnovers, wafers, tubs, and bags; classic, sugar free, Omega 3, and Christmas products. It offers its products in the United States, Canada, and internationally through a distribution network in North America. Voortman Cookies Limited was founded in 1951 and is based in Burlington, Canada. As of January 3, 2020, Voortman Cookies Limited operates as a subsidiary of 2727939 Ontario Inc.

Oregon Ice Cream

Private Equity Round in 2014
Producer of organic ice cream and frozen novelties. The company's ice cream is sold through the natural, club, grocery and foodservice channels.